"This is why I think Ireland disagrees with gurus like Scouts Inc. regarding their opinion of Ponder’s “Intelligence/Decision Making”, which they judge to be “below average”. As with all QBs, this is a crucial factor because it is the mental aspect (the critical “six inches between the ears”) that makes or breaks quarterbacks more than any other. The stats would tend to support Ponder’s case in this regard: 49 TDs, 30 INTs, and almost 7,000 yards passing with a 62% completion rate. Off the field, his scholastic accomplishments are exemplary: winner of the 2010 James Tatum award (nation's top student-athlete), graduating in two and one half years with a degree in finance and a 3.73 GPA. In short, Ponder is a guy who would not require as much time as most rookie QBs to be ready to play. And with superior weapons like Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess to help him, I can easily see how he would do well in Brian Daboll’s system. Physically, Ponder can make every throw at the NFL level. His solid workout at the combine reinforced what I’d seen of him over the past four seasons. He has very good mobility and escapability, with good pocket presence and a fine sense of the pass rush. He is plenty good enough to run the Wildcat if called upon, as Fisher used him extensively on option plays. As for the intangibles, such as toughness, character, and leadership, Ponder scores well. He is an outstanding leader, the type of man who could LEAD the Dolphin offense. He’s a person of fine character, strongly devoted to community service, which aligns very well to owner Stephen Ross’s organizational philosophy; a “face of the franchise”, if you will. And though Ponder has suffered through his share of injuries (more on this in a moment), he isn’t afraid of contact; he often played hurt and played well. http://www.phins.com/chris/column_032511.html
Whether or not we draft him, I think Ponder's stock is definitely on the rise. I think he probably comes off the board in the late first/early second round. Probably somewhere between picks #15-#40. Too many teams need QB's, whether it's a starter, or a young gun to groom for 2-3 years down the road. And, we're obviously a team with a need at the position. He's got a lot of upside, and is probably one of the most NFL ready QB prospects in the draft from what I've read/heard thus far. Having said that, I'd love to trade down and still have a shot at him in the late first or mid second.
We have worked out pretty much every major round 1-2 target that I can think of. We are definitely interested in upgrading the position, just a matter of who is available and who do they like. Ponder reportedly won't get past Buff or Cinci in round 2, and apparently the Jags are studying him hard, so trading down may not be an option. With Newton and Gabbert almost sure to be out of reach, it appears we will have to decide if we want to pull the trigger on Mallet, Ponder or Locker in the first.
Not based on what I've seen/heard. Granted, he doesn't possess a cannon, but I'm pretty sure he can make all the throws necessary to be successful in the NFL. Keep in mind KP, you can have a great arm, but a not so great head on your shoulders, and that arm still won't make up for what's lacking upstairs. Not that I'm describing anyone in particular mind you, I'm just sayin'.
I was thinking the exact same thing. So Con, how do you feel about Locker? Can you just hit the high points with me?
Or they want to create the illusion that they are very interested in drafting a quarterback, thus making their pick more valuable for teams who want to draft a quarterback after them.
Ah, c'mon Alen. He can't be that bad. Mayock sounds pretty high on him. From what I understand, he would've been the #1 QB prospect had he come out early last year. But, he stayed in school and didn't have as good a senior campaign. Therefore, his stock dropped. But, Mayock contends he's the same guy. Now, I have to confess, I've not seen him play. So, I'm just kinda wondering because I do have a funny feeling he could be the target this FO is eyeing for a QB, not Ponder.
You forgot he looks good in shorts. I have concerns with his footwork in the pocket, basically his stride I think will always make him inaccurate, and his decision making sometimes makes me go WTHolyHellF. Andy Dalton will throw into coverage and will make some uninspiring throws, but Locker can be even worse. He has a better arm than Dalton, but still. He makes more plays out of the pocket than in, and that tends to make me think he doesn't see the field well from within the pocket. He has the physical skills you'd like for the most part, but his mechanics are off to me and the 6 inches between the ears worries me as well. Thats my short take.
You can thank Todd McShay for creating that impression. He was pushing Jake Locker hard last year. Locker simply is not a good QB.
I think it's almost guaranteed they take one of the three. They draft franchise positions in the first pretty consistently. Even when Romo was just starting to appear Ireland and Tuna were considering QBs. I doubt that's changed and this time they might want someone with a little bit more ability to hit that deep ball.
Romo was signed because Sean Payton was pushing for him, not because Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland had a conviction about Romo. They would have drafted Romo if they felt he was worth investing in.
Hmmm...interesting. Well, like I said, I haven't seen him play, so I will defer to your opinion. Besides, you are the resident expert on player evaluation. Thanks Con.
Not for nothing but we just got mentioned on the Dan Patrick show.............weeeeeee!!!!! Sorry, had to tell somebody.
I didn't hear it either, but Frayser posted this: Patrick to Ryan Mallett who was a guest on the show: 'Did you see the piece in the Sun Sentinel about you?' I don't know what else was said, but damn that's enough for me. We've been contacted by two different radio shows regarding the article.
Makes me wonder if this could happen with Luck. Everyone says no way in hell, but I have a feeling folks might have had similar thoughts on Locker last year. It just never seems to be a good decision for these kids to stay in school.
I think there is a difference though. Locker was talked up mostly b/c he was an undeniably great athlete rather than b/c he was an undeniably great passer. Potential rather than production. While there will be some fluctuation for productive passers, I think the range is smaller. The most I could see Luck dropping is something like Marino did. Marino was up there in the Elway rankings, but then had a bad year due to losing receivers and the drug rumor. As a result he dropped to the bottom of the first. Luck lost his coach and will be in a new system, but I don't think character will ever be an issue. So the most I could see is Luck dropping to the middle of the first. Locker, I think, has dropped on many boards to the 4th round. There may be a few teams still willing to spend a 1st on athletic potential, but my guess is it's probably no more than three or so.
I'd love to go on about the difference between the hype surrounding Luck right now and the hype surrounding Locker a year ago but the bottom line is just this: the hype around Luck is deserved, the hype around Locker a year ago was not. Bottom line. That's all there is to it. Locker never would have survived the pre-Draft process in 2010 and still been a top QB prospect. His flaws were already very evident. Everyone that bought into his story were doing so based on thinking what he could be if he improved (greatly). We're still waiting for that improvement.
One thing I don't get (and, I hear what y'all are saying). But...if true, and again...I'm not questioning anyone's football IQ here, but why does Mayock have Locker rated so high (#2 QB prospect IIRC)? I mean, isn't he usually spot on with his player valuations?
